MedMal Direct Names Hammett New President & CEO

March 7, 2022 by matray

MedMal Direct Insurance Co. named Marc D. Hammett its new president and chief executive officer, effective March 2, 2022. Hammett succeeds Melodee S. Dixon, who is stepping down to spend more time with family.

According to MedMal Direct, Hammett is assuming the CEO role at a critical time, following the firm's 14% year-over-year revenue growth, a changing reinsurance landscape and an increasingly challenging litigation environment.

“Our board is excited to have Marc expand his responsibilities at MedMal Direct,” said P. Butler Ball, chief executive officer and director of Physicians Trust, Inc., MedMal Direct’s parent company. “He has played a major role in the company's success. He knows the firm, our team members and the business inside and out. His tenure in the industry, his financial background and his relationships within the market makes Marc ideally suited to strategically grow the organization in a disciplined manner. The board has seen him demonstrate his experience, wisdom and depth since 2016. We have every confidence that Marc will be a great team leader and take the firm to the next level.”

Hammett previously served as the MedMal Direct’s chief financial officer and president and chief strategy officer for Physicians Trust since joining the firm.

“I’m honored to follow Melodee and look forward to working closely with our board of directors, all of our team members and partners to achieve our strategic goals,” Hammett said. “Since joining the company in 2016, I have been involved in all facets of the business and am more confident than ever in MedMal Direct’s strategic growth opportunities and potential.”

“I believe that stepping down and concentrating on my family is the right decision at this time,” said outgoing CEO Melodee S. Dixon. “This was a difficult decision for me given the many opportunities I see and my confidence in the company. However, it was the right one for me personally. I’ll work through a time of transition to ensure excellent service to our policyholders and wish Butler, Marc and the entire team success as they continue to grow the business. My work here over the last five years has reinforced my belief that the talented team will position the company to grow and thrive.”

Medical Liability Monitor February 2022 Issue Highlights

February 7, 2022 by matray

The just-published February 2022 issue of Medical Liability Monitor features the following articles and more. Click here to subscribe today:

N.Y. Executive Budget Proposal Would Cut Judgment Interest Rate, Alter How State’s Excess Insurance Program Is Funded
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul unveiled her 2022-2023 Executive Budget last month, which includes a more than $10 billion, multi-year investment in the state’s healthcare system. It also contains two proposals that would affect the medical liability community …

Florida Supreme Court Amends Rules for Appellate Review of Punitive Damages Claims
The Florida Supreme Court approved last month an amendment to the state’s rule of appellate procedure, a change that opponents say could end punitive damages in liability lawsuits. ...

California Expands Recoverable Damages In Survival Actions
A new California law makes significant changes to survival actions and wrongful-death liability claims, and to the types of damages that can be recovered for them …

Merger Leads to Improved Quality, Safety at NYU Langone Hospital
In-hospital mortality rates dropped by 33% at a hospital serving one of the highest Medicaid populations in the country after its 2016 merger with NYU Langone Health, showcasing how properly managed mergers can improve quality of care, a new study finds …

Tennessee HCLA Applies to Medical Battery, Intentional Misrepresentation
The Tennessee Supreme Court ruled last month that the state’s Health Care Liability Act (HCLA) applies to lawsuits based on theories of medical battery and intentional misrepresentation for injuries arising from a surgical procedure …

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MagMutual Announces 2022 Policyholder Dividend

February 2, 2022 by matray

MagMutual Insurance Co. announced today that it will return a 5% dividend to its policy owners this year. According to the company, this payment marks 23 years of dividends and more than $340 million in financial rewards returned to policyholders since inception.

"Despite challenging circumstances, MagMutual has been on an exciting trajectory, with the creation of new products, industry-leading financial results and significant growth," said Neil Morrell, MagMutual CEO. "When we do well, our policy owners benefit. We are pleased to once again deliver consistent returns to them and at the same time significantly improve our overall results."

New York County Medical Society Renews Exclusive Endorsement with The Doctors Company

February 1, 2022 by matray

The New York County Medical Society (NYCMS) today announced it has again chosen The Doctors Company to be the exclusively endorsed medical liability insurer for its members.

“The Doctors Company is the ideal choice for our endorsement, as they are founded and led by physicians and owned by members,” said Keith A. LaScalea, MD, FACP, president of NYCMS. “Our members retain a partner whose mission — to advance, protect, and reward the practice of good medicine — is aligned with our mission to strive for the achievement of the highest standards of medical practice and quality of care."

Under the partnership, NYCMS members:

• Benefit from some of New York’s most competitive rates for medical malpractice insurance. And if they’re affiliated with Hospitals Insurance Co., they have access to even more significant savings.


• Receive numerous benefits from The Doctors Company, such as the state’s most aggressive defense, 24/7 patient safety and risk management services, free live and on-demand CME and access to the Section 18 New York State excess risk management program.


• Participate in the Tribute^® Plan, which rewards eligible doctors for their loyalty and commitment to superior patient care, and may receive dividends.

“Our continued partnership with NYCMS reflects TDC Group's growing strength in the New York market,” said Tammy Clark, CPCU, The Doctors Company senior vice president and regional operating officer. “Since expanding its presence in New York in 2017, TDC Group has grown to 21,412 New York physician members and $292 million in direct written premiums.”  

Alera Group Enhances Risk Management Industry Expertise with Acquisition of Heritage Risk Management

January 21, 2022 by matray

Alera Group, an independent, national insurance and wealth services firm, announced the acquisition of Heritage Risk Management, a network of independent risk management agencies that serve clients throughout Texas, Oklahoma, Colorado and New Mexico.

“At Heritage Risk Management, our independent agencies are able to stay close to clients and deliver personalized, comprehensive risk management solutions. With 178 years of shared experience between our network agencies, we bring extensive knowledge in developing tailored property and casualty insurance solutions for our clients,” said Jeff Neely III, Heritage Risk Management co-chief executive officer.

Heritage Risk Management’s network of independent risk management agencies offer a broad array of products and services, tapping into a deep well of expertise from across the organization to offer thought leadership in risk management across a myriad of industries including Agriculture, Banking, Oil & Gas, Construction, Transportation, Professional Services, Technology, Manufacturing, Healthcare, Medical Malpractice and Employee Benefits.

“Heritage Risk Management offers expanded support services and strong carrier relationships to meet client’s needs. As an integrated risk management provider, Heritage Risk Management has all the capabilities needed to deliver the best protection possible and their collaborative culture makes them an excellent fit for Alera Group,” said Alan Levitz, Alera Group chief executive officer.

The Heritage Risk Management team will continue serving clients in their existing roles. Terms of the transaction were not announced.

MICA Announces $17 Million in Dividends

January 18, 2022 by matray

The Mutual Insurance Company of Arizona (MICA) recently announced $17 million in dividends to be allocated among active policyholders as of Dec. 31, 2021. According to MICA, the dividend derives from a combination of favorable claims experience and strong investment performance.

“As a physician-owned and directed mutual insurance company, MICA is able to return funds to our members whenever results are favorable. This year’s dividend exemplifies MICA’s financial strength and dedication to its mission of protecting and defending the practice of medicine,” said James F. Carland, MD, MICA chief executive officer.

The dividend will be distributed in the February, after which MICA will have returned $700 million in dividends to its policyholders since 1988, including $125 million in the last five years alone.

The Professional Liability Underwriting Society (PLUS) Announces New, No-Cost Membership for Everyone in the Industry

January 14, 2022 by matray

PLUS, a non-profit organization offering professional liability educational programs, networking events, educational products and information, announced a new membership model starting in 2022 that will allow all professionals in the professional liability industry to join PLUS association at no cost. The move expanded PLUS membership from 6,000 to more than 33,000 members in the first few weeks of January.

“PLUS is excited to announce our new membership model that will allow all industry professionals to become PLUS members at no-cost,” said Robbie Thompson, PLUS chief executive officer. “Paying a membership fee shouldn’t be a barrier to the opportunity to build connections and make business relationships. And it will mean more expertise to develop even more content and education, which strengthens the value of the PLUS community.”

After its membership conversion, PLUS now has more than 33,000 industry professional members from throughout North America and around the world.

“This larger membership will benefit the entire industry and its professionals by providing unmatched access to an extensive network of knowledge and ideas,” said Thompson. “We look forward to accessing all of this knowledge and sharing it with this much larger audience to further our mission of advancing industry professionals.”

According to PLUS, it is the only association created by and for the entire professional liability industry, and available to any individual in the professional liability industry across the globe. PLUS leads the professional liability industry by:

• Offering the most recognized and relevant curriculum and designation program in the professional liability industry with the RPLU and CPLP designations


• Hosting the largest industry D&O event held in conjunction with an expanding cyber event


• Providing the professional liability industry’s only national and international chapter system, and
• Hosting the longest running annual conference exclusive to professional liability.

For more information on PLUS’ expanded membership, please visit https://plusweb.org/PLUS-is-More.  

CMIC RRG Appoints Stratton Danes, MD, to Board of Directors

January 11, 2022 by matray

CMIC RRG announced the appointment of Stratton Danes, MD, to its Board of Directors.

“Dr. Danes brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to our Board of Directors,” said Stephen J. Gallant, CMIC RRG chief executive officer. “With his input, we look forward to expanding and enhancing our coverage and benefit offerings for members, as well as continuing to grow the footprint of the Company.”

Danes is a board-certified vascular surgeon who specializes in critical limb salvage, aortic aneurysm repair, venous disease and carotid interventions. He is an attending physician at Middlesex Hospital and Lawrence Memorial Hospital in Connecticut, and at Westerly Hospital and South County Hospital in Rhode Island. In addition, he has also practiced in Michigan, New York and New Hampshire.

After graduating from Upstate Medical University at Syracuse in 1998, Danes completed his general surgery residency at New York University in 2003. He also completed a vascular surgery fellowship at Hartford Hospital. He is currently in private practice at The Vascular Experts.

Integris Group Appoints Victoria Reyes, MD, to Board of Directors

January 11, 2022 by matray

Integris Group announced today the appointment of Victoria Reyes, MD, to its Board of Directors.

“Dr. Reyes is an experienced and well-respected physician whose expertise will benefit our Board of Directors,” said Stephen J. Gallant, Integris Group chief executive officer. “Her leadership and insights will support our continued growth as a company and our commitment to consistently delivering exceptional coverage and benefits to members.”

Reyes is board-certified in anatomic pathology and clinical pathology. Throughout her career, she has served on numerous committees that focus on safety and quality in the laboratory and patient care setting. Reyes has been the chair of the Pathology Department and the laboratory medical director at Lawrence & Memorial Hospital since 2009, and at Westerly Hospital since 2013.

After graduating from Brown University Medical School in 1996, Reyes completed her residency and fellowship in 2001 at the University of Washington, where she served as co-chief resident. She is currently in private practice at Pathology Consultants of New London.

Medical Liability Monitor January 2022 Issue Highlights

January 7, 2022 by matray

The just-published February 2022 issue of Medical Liability Monitor features the following articles and more. Click here to subscribe today:

Swiss Re Attributes Social Inflation to Third-Party Litigation Funding, Calls for Federal Regulation of $17 Billion Industry
A new report from Swiss Re warns third-party litigation funding (TPLF) and the growth in litigation funding companies are contributing to the social inflation driving up legal expenses and claims severity in the insurance industry. The reinsurance giant is calling for stronger regulation of TPLF, including mandatory disclosure and regulation of funding terms and conditions …

New Mexico Makes Last-Minute Tweaks to New Medical Malpractice Act, Averts Medical Liability Insurance Crisis
New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham signed House Bill 11 late last month after a special legislative session that addressed ambiguities in the state’s recently overhauled Medical Malpractice Act (MMA). The last-minute fix averted a medical liability insurance crisis that threatened to force some independent physicians and medical practices to stop seeing patients on Dec. 31, 2021, but the fix is temporary ...

ATRF Publishes Annual ‘Judicial Hellhole Report,’ Medical Professional Liability Again Plays Determining Role
The American Tort Reform Foundation issued its 2021/2022 Judicial Hellholes report last month. The annual release documents abuses of the civil justice system in jurisdictions the pro-tort reform group says are among the most unfair and out of balance in the nation. As every year, medical professional liability issues played a significant role in which regions received mention in the 2021/2022 Judicial Hellholes report …

EmPRO Reports Strong First Year, Accelerates PRI Solvency Projection
One year since the inauguration of EmPRO Insurance Co., the New York-admitted medical liability insurance company has written more than $170 million in direct premium and helped contribute almost $35 million in positive surplus to its parent company Physicians’ Reciprocal Insurers …

Minnesota Supreme Court Weighing Physician Duty to Third Parties
The Minnesota Supreme Court recently heard oral arguments in Smits v. Park Nicollet Health Services, et al., a case the healthcare community says could create an untenable burden on healthcare providers to warn third parties of a patient’s unforeseeable violent behavior …

Subscribe today to get this issue (as well as the 2021 Annual Rate Survey at no additional cost).